Cornell's Commitment to Diversity

Students

Priority: Recruit and retain a more diverse student body.

photo of students chalking on Ho Plaza

Members of the Cornell Japanese Animation Society chalk Ho Plaza to welcome students.

  1. A new financial aid initiative beginning in 2008-09 aims to reduce need-based loans for incoming undergraduates from families with income under $75,000. See related story (March 2008)
  2. Efforts to to maximize student economic diversity in an age of escalating tuition costs (October 2006).
  3. The Biology Scholars Program (BSP) is an undergraduate program based out of the Office of Undergraduate Biology designed to support academic excellence for underrepresented students majoring in biological sciences.
  4. The Pathways to Success Community College Partnership program has a goal of encouraging low and moderate-income community college students to pursue a bachelor's degree at Cornell.
  5. Evaluate existing student life and student academic services as well as academic advising programs for underrepresented students and make changes where necessary.
  6. Cornell Alumni-Student Mentoring Program, established by the Provost's Office, seeks to improve Cornell's ability to attract and graduate more underrepresented students by providing each student who wishes to participate in the program with an alumnus mentor.
  7. The Multicultural Recruitment Advisory Committee (MRAC) consists of admissions representatives from across the university.
  8. Diversity Hosting Weekend and Multicultural Visitation Program for underrepresented prospective students
  9. CU Image, a student organization to increase the admission and enrollment of underrepresented students
  10. Diversity fellowships to increase the diversity of Cornell's graduate student population may be available on a competitive basis to U.S. citizens or permanent residents.
  11. Office of Minority Educational Affairs, offers and coordinates a comprehensive network of academic and administrative support services for underrepresented students.
  12. Assistant Dean of Students for Diversity Education and Outreach offers consultations, training, referrals and workshops on diversity, community building and inclusion.
  13. Director of Student Affairs and Diversity in Campus Life
  14. Office of Fraternity and Sorority Affairs Multicultural Greek Letter Council
  15. Center for Learning and Teaching
  16. Multi-cultural staff and outreach support for underserved student populations provided by Gannett Health Services/Counseling and Psychological Services.
  17. Coordinator of Multicultural Recruitment in the University Admissions Office
  18. Cornell Commitment Programs recognize, reward, and encourage further development of a select group of students who exemplify Cornell's commitment to academic excellence, work and service, research and discovery, and leadership and learning and in so doing enrich their experience at Cornell and beyond. One of several recruitment tools for a diverse student body.
  19. Need-Blind Admission and New York State Programs: Educational Opportunity Program, Higher Educational Opportunity Program, and Collegiate Science & Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) for New York State students interested in pursuing professional education programs of study that lead to careers in law, architecture, and the scientific, technical, and health-related fields.
  20. Associate Provost for Outreach to advance the role and commitment of Cornell to K-12 education, particularly in science, technology, engineering and math, to prepare a more diverse student population for admission to higher education.
  21. Public Service Center confirms service as essential to active citizenship, leadership development, and social change. Cornell Migrant Program offers diversity training opportunities through its internships.
  22. Residential Program Houses that help students to explore multicultural interests. Residential program houses at Cornell offer the chance to develop these interests while experiencing the full breadth of the Cornell residential experience.
  23. The College of Human Ecology Urban Semester Program affords students the opportunity to explore multicultural issues and urban affairs in New York City while earning 15 academic credits. Students learn through practical experience and reflection in a combination of internships or pre-med rotations, seminars, site visits, and community service.
  24. Cornell's Undergraduate Business Program launches the Business Opportunities in Leadership and Diversity (BOLD) Program, a curriculum designed to develop business leaders who value diversity.